Runoff and sediment losses resulting from winter feeding on pastures
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Authors: L. B. Owens, W. M. Edwards, and R. W. Van Keuren
Date: 1997
Journal: Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
Volume: 52
Number: 3
Pages: 194-197
Summary of Methods: A pasture watershed study was initiated in May 1974 near Coshocton, Ohio to determine the effect of three grazing management strategies on the hydrology and water quality of flow from small watersheds. The first 12 years the site was grazed rotationally in the summer and hay was fed there over the winter. This was followed by 3 years of only summer grazing and then 5 years of no grazing or winter feeding. The changes in surface runoff and sediment losses from this watershed were measured over 20 years.
Article Summary / Main Points: Under summer grazing and winter feeding annual runoff was more than 10% of precipitation; with summer grazing only or no grazing runoff was less than 2% of precipitation. Sediment losses under grazing and winter feeding were greater than no grazing or just summer grazing alone. Sediment losses were not different for summer rotational grazing or no grazing at all. Dormant season sediment losses were 60% greater when the site was grazed in the summer and hay was fed in the same year than when the site was not grazed or grazed with no hay feeding. Within management periods there was considerable seasonal and annual variation in runoff and soil loss in response to weather inputs.
Vegetation Types: Other (includes Forest and Eastern)
MLRA Ecoregions: 124 Western Allegheny Plateau
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Water quality
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Documented Case History
Keywords: runoff, sediment loss, winter feeding, watershed, rotational grazing, erosion
Annotation: The findings of this non replicated case study are applicable to only this Ohio watershed. As with all grazing research results apply most directly to similar landscapes, seasons, livestock types and weather conditions. No grazing (rest), fencing and rotational summer grazing have all resulted in lower sediment yields (Owens et al. 1989, J Environ Qual 18:232-238; Owens et al., 1996, J Soil Water Conserv 51:90-94, also available in RSIS database) than year-long grazing or summer grazing with winter feeding, providing managers with more management options.
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